The creation of a corneal incision with a femtosecond laser

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The cutting action of a femtosecond laser (FS-laser) on the corneal tissue is performed using a photodestructive effect. FS-laser technology is used in many different areas of corneal surgery, and studying this effect is an actual issue.

AIM: To evaluate the surface of the corneal incision created by a FS-laser (experimental study).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 porcine eyes were divided into two groups (FS-laser and keratome). The corneal tissue surface in the area of contact between two lips of the incision was visualized by electron microscopy.

RESULTS: In all cases, we received a full-thickness incisions through the cornea. Images obtained by electron microscopy showed regular surface, no signs of thermal or mechanical damage to the corneal structure.

CONCLUSIONS: The FS-laser is used as a microscopic scalpel in surgery. The precision cutting process is performed by mechanical forces generated by photodestruction by expanding cavitation bubbles.

About the authors

Yulduz Sh. Nizametdinova

Saint Petersburg State Hospital No. 2

Author for correspondence.
Email: yulduzik55@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-6789-5780
SPIN-code: 7482-5163

Ophthalmologist

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Yuri V. Takhtaev

I.P. Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University

Email: ytakhtaev@hotmail.com

Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor, Professor Yu.S. Astakhov Ophthalmology Department with Clinic

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

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Supplementary files

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2. Fig. 1. Laser optical breakdown: plasma → expansion of plasma → cavitation cavity → gas bubble

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3. Fig. 2. The surface of the porcine cornea (×100) after FS laser

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4. Fig. 3. The surface of the porcine cornea (×100) after keratome

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Copyright (c) 2022 Nizametdinova Y.S., Takhtaev Y.V.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
 


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